SASSA releases 2026/27 social grant payment dates

Africa, Business

AFRICA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has released the official payment schedule for social grants for the 2026/2027 financial year, giving beneficiaries clarity on when to expect monthly payments.

In a statement on Monday, the agency said the schedule follows approval by the National Treasury on March 20. For April, older persons will be paid on 2 April, disability grant beneficiaries on 7 April, and children’s grant recipients on 8 April. In May, older persons will receive grants on 5 May, disability grants on 6 May, and children’s grants on 7 May.

“The principle for determining payment dates is to ensure grants are paid early in the month, staggered over three days. In most months, the old age grant is paid on the 2nd, disability on the 3rd, and children’s grants on the 4th,” SASSA said.

To ensure smooth functioning of the National Payment System, the agency avoids payments on the 1st of the month, Mondays, weekends, or directly after holidays. If a date falls on a weekend or public holiday, payment will move to the next working day.

As announced by the Minister of Finance in his Budget Speech, social grants will increase from April:

• Older Persons, Disability, and Care Dependency Grants rise by R80 to R2,400.
• War Veterans Grant rises by R80 to R2,420.
• Foster Child Grant rises by R40 to R1,290.
• Child Support Grant and Grant-In-Aid rise by R20 to R580.

SASSA reiterated its commitment to timely payments and urged beneficiaries who experience delays to visit their nearest local office for assistance. Full payment dates are available on the agency’s website. – SAnews.gov.za.